As UC employees there’s at least one reason why “We’re All Proudly Cincinnati.” For some, it’s the chance to be a part of groundbreaking research that is transforming lives. For others, it might be working in a clinical setting to help a patient heal.

For Nancy Creaghead, PhD, though, it’s “being a part of a team that is helping students realize their dream of making life better for people with communication disorders.”

And as a way to say “thanks” for that opportunity, Creaghead is one of many UC employees who annually give back by supporting UC’s faculty/staff campaign. The active campaign runs now through June 30, although all gifts made since July 1, 2008, count toward the campaign goal.

Creaghead, who directs the communications sciences and disorders department in the College of Allied Health Sciences, says the campaign is much more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity for faculty and staff to support specific areas of interest and feel even more connected to UC through philanthropic support.

“The campaign is a great way to show UC and the local community you care by giving a gift to support those areas that matter most to you,” says Creaghead. “A highlight of the campaign is that all donors can specify what areas they want to support.

“So, if you want to invest in a single department or a specific scholarship program, for example, you can do that.

“It’s about investing in ourselves … to make ourselves stronger,” she says.

The campaign—part of the university’s $1 billion “Proudly Cincinnati” capital campaign—places more emphasis on participation rather than a specific dollar amount. This year’s goal is to attract 3,000 faculty and staff donors, an increase of 32 percent from last year.

“A small amount can go a long way,” says Mindy Weaver, senior business administrator in the internal medicine department. “UC has given me an amazing opportunity for growth—both professionally and personally—over the last 28 years. I am a stronger and better person thanks to the university.”

There are three easy ways to support the 2009 “We’re All Proudly Cincinnati” faculty/staff campaign: donate online at www.donateproudlycincinnati.org, send a check, payable to the UC Foundation, to mail location 0064 or call (513) 556-6781 for a pledge card or to make a credit card gift.

All faculty and staff donors will receive a bookmark commemorating the Proudly Cincinnati campaign and be invited to the annual Donor Appreciation Night on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the UC-Fresno State football game. Tickets will be offered at a discounted rate.

For more information, contact Judy See at judy.see@uc.edu or call (513) 556-6724.